Show us your C&V Gravel Grinders
09-05-13, 03:45 PM
#326
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
I know, I was there in his shop and Joseph was like... "You could have chris make you a fork"... should have gone that route. I didn't know he was the maker for FC but it crossed my mind as a possibility. Makes sense now. Chris was riding a pretty bad ass monster cross too.
09-05-13, 04:27 PM
#327
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 15,212
Mentioned: 73 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 814 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
135 Posts
Thanks, I am pretty happy with it, but it is a first and there are definite mistakes. I will file the joints and get it powder coated, probably metallic silver. I have to move the braze-ons first though. The rear tire clearance on the chainstays is not as good as I would like and I dimpled them after the build to get the clearance which is a bit of a kludge. I wanted to be able to run a compact double. In retrospect I should have said "eff-it" and built it for triple only, when am I going to run a compact double on this? It is for seriously rugged mine roads where I will need the granny. I know it has the rawland vibe and I am cool with that. I like those bikes, but I wanted 29" wheels.
The things that make this bike special is the 74 degree seat tube. I run 180mm cranks and my femurs are a little abnormally short (long story) so I need the steep angle. The other thing is the head tube. It's big baby at 215mm. I hate lots of spacers, even though I have a bunch on there now. That is my big hang-up with surlys... give me slope and a big head tube. Spacers are ugly.
The things that make this bike special is the 74 degree seat tube. I run 180mm cranks and my femurs are a little abnormally short (long story) so I need the steep angle. The other thing is the head tube. It's big baby at 215mm. I hate lots of spacers, even though I have a bunch on there now. That is my big hang-up with surlys... give me slope and a big head tube. Spacers are ugly.
This is my only gripe with the Straggler.
I like the rest of it just fine and I'll likely see a bunch at the races and down at our river bottoms.
I have been storing all of these ideas/preferences up, as I will likely have Dave Anderson build my next custom.
I've been riding a lot of great off road bikes the last two years.
Lots of note taking to get it just right for a special build.
I almost had an idea a year ago, but changed the focus.
Glad I waited.
Back to yours though. Please keep the pics coming, as the direction is very cool.
The color idea is smart, as all they do is get covered with dust, slurry, mud etc.....
09-12-13, 10:20 AM
#328
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: East Coast
Posts: 24
Bikes: 1988 Nishiki International (SS), 1974 Bottecchia "Gravel Grinder", 2007 Raleigh Supercourse, 1985 Giant Boulder, 2012 Raleigh Militis 3, Origin 8 Scout
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1974 Bottecchia
Converted to gravel grinder. Pics of initial shakedown run with 28s on part of the Boone Roubaix course. Took it on an extended ride for 5.5 hours, 55 miles and 5500' climbing on part of the Wilson's Revenge CX route. Will be putting 35s on it this week. Love the gravel and this baby is smooth....
09-12-13, 10:56 AM
#329
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Stillwater, OK
Posts: 8,038
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1834 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
438 Posts
Converted to gravel grinder. Pics of initial shakedown run with 28s on part of the Boone Roubaix course. Took it on an extended ride for 5.5 hours, 55 miles and 5500' climbing on part of the Wilson's Revenge CX route. Will be putting 35s on it this week. Love the gravel and this baby is smooth....
__________________
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
09-12-13, 01:45 PM
#330
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: East Coast
Posts: 24
Bikes: 1988 Nishiki International (SS), 1974 Bottecchia "Gravel Grinder", 2007 Raleigh Supercourse, 1985 Giant Boulder, 2012 Raleigh Militis 3, Origin 8 Scout
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Will do...
Poor quality phone pics. Going to have to paint it, the bottom bracket is showing some rust, guess the powdercoat wasn't so good. Soon as I get the new tires on I'll spit shine it and snap a couple pics. Guy bought this new in '74 and gave it to me because he never rode it, too big for him (he's about 5'7" and I'm 6'2"). Came with Campy Record components, I'll build that up sometime, but for now it has Kysrium Elites and some Shimano stuff on it (the horror!). I can't get over how good it does on dirt/gravel, it climbs like a goat and is very easy on the old spine.
Here is another bad picture of it pre-gravel bike. Changed the stem back to the original 3ttt for gravel build.
Here is another bad picture of it pre-gravel bike. Changed the stem back to the original 3ttt for gravel build.
09-12-13, 08:39 PM
#331
Senior Member
Just finished building an '82 Columbine snagged from ebay. Been dialog'ing with John Murphy, might be able to locate a build sheet soon. Suspect fork may not be original, prolly also a repaint.
Built into a nice go-almost-anywhere bike, with the 31/32mm 700c Cypres it handled about 10mi of Nyack>Stony Point trail very nicely. I'd want fatter rubber, which she won't fit, for all-day gravel fun, but there ain't none of that around these here parts.
Gearing is 39/48 x 11/36 10spd, really should have a compact 34/46 up front, but I didn't have any kicking around.
Built into a nice go-almost-anywhere bike, with the 31/32mm 700c Cypres it handled about 10mi of Nyack>Stony Point trail very nicely. I'd want fatter rubber, which she won't fit, for all-day gravel fun, but there ain't none of that around these here parts.
Gearing is 39/48 x 11/36 10spd, really should have a compact 34/46 up front, but I didn't have any kicking around.
09-12-13, 09:04 PM
#333
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Berwyn PA
Posts: 6,382
Bikes: I hate bikes!
Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 410 Post(s)
Liked 616 Times
in
207 Posts
Just finished building an '82 Columbine snagged from ebay. Been dialog'ing with John Murphy, might be able to locate a build sheet soon. Suspect fork may not be original, prolly also a repaint.
Built into a nice go-almost-anywhere bike, with the 31/32mm 700c Cypres it handled about 10mi of Nyack>Stony Point trail very nicely. I'd want fatter rubber, which she won't fit, for all-day gravel fun, but there ain't none of that around these here parts.
Gearing is 39/48 x 11/36 10spd, really should have a compact 34/46 up front, but I didn't have any kicking around.
Built into a nice go-almost-anywhere bike, with the 31/32mm 700c Cypres it handled about 10mi of Nyack>Stony Point trail very nicely. I'd want fatter rubber, which she won't fit, for all-day gravel fun, but there ain't none of that around these here parts.
Gearing is 39/48 x 11/36 10spd, really should have a compact 34/46 up front, but I didn't have any kicking around.
09-12-13, 09:49 PM
#334
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Marysville, WA (north of Seattle.)
Posts: 363
Bikes: 54 R.O. Harrison, 56 W. F. Holdsworth, 59 Sauvage-Lejuene campeur,63 Jack Taylor Tourist,74 & 78 Davidson, 80 Colnago Super, 82 Merckx Professional, 92 Rain City Steelhead, 08 Rivendell AHH, 2011 Rivendell Custom, 2014 Woodrup/Sayles custom 650b
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
Just finished building an '82 Columbine snagged from ebay. Been dialog'ing with John Murphy, might be able to locate a build sheet soon. Suspect fork may not be original, prolly also a repaint.
Built into a nice go-almost-anywhere bike, with the 31/32mm 700c Cypres it handled about 10mi of Nyack>Stony Point trail very nicely. I'd want fatter rubber, which she won't fit, for all-day gravel fun, but there ain't none of that around these here parts.
Gearing is 39/48 x 11/36 10spd, really should have a compact 34/46 up front, but I didn't have any kicking around.
Built into a nice go-almost-anywhere bike, with the 31/32mm 700c Cypres it handled about 10mi of Nyack>Stony Point trail very nicely. I'd want fatter rubber, which she won't fit, for all-day gravel fun, but there ain't none of that around these here parts.
Gearing is 39/48 x 11/36 10spd, really should have a compact 34/46 up front, but I didn't have any kicking around.
09-13-13, 07:37 PM
#336
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: East Coast
Posts: 24
Bikes: 1988 Nishiki International (SS), 1974 Bottecchia "Gravel Grinder", 2007 Raleigh Supercourse, 1985 Giant Boulder, 2012 Raleigh Militis 3, Origin 8 Scout
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
got the 700 x 35 Kenda Kwests on...
Poor quality phone pics. Going to have to paint it, the bottom bracket is showing some rust, guess the powdercoat wasn't so good. Soon as I get the new tires on I'll spit shine it and snap a couple pics. Guy bought this new in '74 and gave it to me because he never rode it, too big for him (he's about 5'7" and I'm 6'2"). Came with Campy Record components, I'll build that up sometime, but for now it has Kysrium Elites and some Shimano stuff on it (the horror!). I can't get over how good it does on dirt/gravel, it climbs like a goat and is very easy on the old spine.
Here is another bad picture of it pre-gravel bike. Changed the stem back to the original 3ttt for gravel build.
Here is another bad picture of it pre-gravel bike. Changed the stem back to the original 3ttt for gravel build.
09-16-13, 12:31 PM
#337
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Michigan
Posts: 91
Bikes: 2012 Rivendell Atlantis, 2012 Soma Double Cross DC,1984 Fisher Mt. Tam, 1992 Trek 970, 1993 Bridgestone MB-2, 1985 Trek 870
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
[/QUOTE]This is a sharp ride!
09-16-13, 12:40 PM
#338
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Michigan
Posts: 91
Bikes: 2012 Rivendell Atlantis, 2012 Soma Double Cross DC,1984 Fisher Mt. Tam, 1992 Trek 970, 1993 Bridgestone MB-2, 1985 Trek 870
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Been tweaking my RB-T due to an angry lower back. I Installed a set of Moustache bars and a Velo Orange 100mm quill stem and I am totally loving it. This set up is a lot more confidence inspiring than those narrow drops I had. Much better for climbing out of the saddle too. ColonelJLloyd my back thanks you!
09-16-13, 12:51 PM
#340
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 4,466
Bikes: many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
12 Posts
Been tweaking my RB-T due to an angry lower back. I Installed a set of Moustache bars and a Velo Orange 100mm quill stem and I am totally loving it. This set up is a lot more confidence inspiring than those narrow drops I had. Much better for climbing out of the saddle too. ColonelJLloyd my back thanks you!
Cool bike! What tires?
09-16-13, 01:05 PM
#341
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Michigan
Posts: 91
Bikes: 2012 Rivendell Atlantis, 2012 Soma Double Cross DC,1984 Fisher Mt. Tam, 1992 Trek 970, 1993 Bridgestone MB-2, 1985 Trek 870
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
@RFC,
I'm running a set of Continental Cycocross Races' they're 35's. It seems like the little nubs wear down pretty fast
I'm running a set of Continental Cycocross Races' they're 35's. It seems like the little nubs wear down pretty fast
10-26-13, 10:33 PM
#342
Senior Member
Below is my budget build gravel grinder. I bought the early/mid '90's Univega Activa Trail frame for $25 and used parts I had laying around the shop. Overall, its a good bike for general use. It's got 1x7 gearing that ranges from 33-84 gear inches. The bike is rolling on 700x35c tires.
10-27-13, 05:44 AM
#343
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 5,488
Bikes: many
Mentioned: 60 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1268 Post(s)
Liked 1,072 Times
in
594 Posts
It's seen no gravel yet, but that's one of the uses for which I built up this bike.
__________________
Contact me about helping Doug Fattic's Ukraine Bicycle Project
Contact me about helping Doug Fattic's Ukraine Bicycle Project
10-27-13, 05:59 AM
#344
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 15,212
Mentioned: 73 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 814 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
135 Posts
I really like this build.
I have been watching the local CL like a hawk the last week or so for an interesting frameset to do a single speed build.
I almost bought a Nishiki the other day, but it didn't have enough head tube.
I know yours is fixed, but ss would be a better choice for me this winter.
Too many knee injuries for me to ride fixed at this point.
Why don't you find some gravel this afternoon and give us a ride report?
10-27-13, 08:17 AM
#345
What's this lever do?
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Salem, MA
Posts: 497
Bikes: 1987 Centurion Sport DLX | 1996 GT Vertigo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
what are you guys with sidepull brakes using for tires?
10-27-13, 09:25 AM
#346
BEHOLD! THE MANTICORE!
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: 54914
Posts: 1,797
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Oh, you mean "riding a bike."
I do that.
Maybe it's just because I've gotten into cycling as recreation and from the bike trails where I live- I don't see a difference in a paved trail and a gravel trail. A quarter of my commute is "gravel" or dirt. Only 8-10 miles of the 50+ miles of the Glacial Drumlin trail are paved. Most trails I like to ride are "gravel/crushed limestone" surface.
I do that.
Maybe it's just because I've gotten into cycling as recreation and from the bike trails where I live- I don't see a difference in a paved trail and a gravel trail. A quarter of my commute is "gravel" or dirt. Only 8-10 miles of the 50+ miles of the Glacial Drumlin trail are paved. Most trails I like to ride are "gravel/crushed limestone" surface.
10-27-13, 09:38 AM
#347
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,396
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 83 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2506 Post(s)
Liked 1,409 Times
in
794 Posts
I grew up riding this trail out of Waukesha with my Mom. It was and always will be one of my favorite places to ride. I used to love stopping at that place where guys fly the R/C planes and watching. When my Mom passed I scattered her ashes from that little bridge at the start of the trail per her request.
To know that area meant something special to both of you- and if you still ride that stretch from time to time, it makes that area even more special.
I'll keep your Mom in mind when I pass there.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
11-16-13, 10:00 AM
#350
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,392
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 909 Post(s)
Liked 285 Times
in
156 Posts
1997 Simoncini Cyclocross Special: Columbus CROMAR, lugged construction, ovalized top tube, cable guides on the top of the top-tube for the rear brake and deralleur.
Build items;
Drivetrain: Sugino 48, 36 & 26 triple & a Suntour Winner seven speed 13-24 freewheel
Wheelset: 36 hole Campagnolo Record high flange hubs rebuilt with Sun CR18 rims
Tires: Challenge Parigi Roubaix open-tubulars
Derailleurs & Shifters: Shimano Deore XT derailleurs and Suntour ratcheting bar-end shifters
Brakes: Planet X Cantilevers with NOS Shimano 600 levers
Build items;
Drivetrain: Sugino 48, 36 & 26 triple & a Suntour Winner seven speed 13-24 freewheel
Wheelset: 36 hole Campagnolo Record high flange hubs rebuilt with Sun CR18 rims
Tires: Challenge Parigi Roubaix open-tubulars
Derailleurs & Shifters: Shimano Deore XT derailleurs and Suntour ratcheting bar-end shifters
Brakes: Planet X Cantilevers with NOS Shimano 600 levers
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 11-16-13 at 10:18 AM.
